Etienne Bankuwiha, a young Burundian, had his first connection with the Chinese language after seeing a poster featuring Chinese cuisine. Initially curious about Chinese cooking methods, he gradually developed an interest in the Chinese language and culture. He later pursued his studies at Shenyang Normal University, Bohai University and Nanjing University in China, eventually becoming a young Sinologist.

After spending years in Liaoning, he has been deeply influenced by the straightforward and warm-hearted character of the people of Northeast China. “Sometimes I even think of myself as a ‘Dongbeiren’,” he jokes.

Etienne Bankuwiha founded a paper-cutting club in Burundi to promote fine traditional Chinese culture. He hopes to serve as a cultural envoy between China and Africa, bringing his experiences in Liaoning back to Africa while sharing stories about Burundi with the Chinese people.